“It will be every bit as luxurious as the original Titanic but of course it will have state-of-the-art 21st century technology and the latest navigation and safety systems,” [Clive] Palmer said in a statement.

“Titanic II will sail in the northern hemisphere and her maiden voyage from England to North America is scheduled for late 2016.”

He added that he had invited the Chinese navy to escort the Titanic II to New York ….

His decision to commission a Chinese shipbuilding yard, which will also construct other luxury liners for the tycoon, reinforces his ties to the country, which is a key buyer of his coal and iron ore.

“Of course, it will sink if you put a hole in it,” Palmer said at a press conference. “It is going to be designed so it won’t sink. But, of course, if you are superstitious like you are, you never know what could happen.”